General Trading License in the UAE

Not All General Trading Licenses Are Created Equal

A general trading license in the UAE is one of the most flexible options available for entrepreneurs — but most people don’t fully understand how it actually works.

Let’s break it down:

What is a General Trading License?
It allows you to import, export, and sell a wide variety of products across multiple categories — all under one license.

You’re not restricted to a single niche.
You could be trading electronics, fashion, household goods — even cosmetics — all under the same license.

But here’s the catch:

Not Everything Is Allowed
Some products still require extra approvals.
If you’re planning to trade pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, cars, alcohol or tobacco — you’ll need special clearances from the relevant authorities.

So even if you hold a general trading license in Dubai, always check whether your products fall under restricted categories.

Mainland vs Free Zone — What’s the Difference?

Mainland General Trading License

• Trade freely within the UAE market
• You can import full containers and clear goods through Dubai Customs yourself
• Ideal if you’re doing bulk trading or supplying local retailers
• Starting from AED 30,000+ annually

Free Zone General Trading License

• Much cheaper — around AED 12,000–13,000 in Dubai Free Zones
• As low as AED 5,500 in northern emirates
• Perfect for international trading or if you’re just getting started
• You’ll need a local distributor to clear and deliver goods into the mainland

A lot of my clients choose a free zone trading license when they’re starting lean or focusing on cross-border shipments — it’s cost-effective, and works beautifully for online trading businesses.

Flexibility Is the Real Value Here
If you’re looking for low-cost company setup with the ability to pivot products as trends shift — general trading gives you that edge.

You can adapt your product range, test new markets, and expand across categories without needing a new license each time.

Ready to Launch Your Trading Business in the UAE?
Book a free consultation and we’ll guide you to the most efficient license based on your goals, budget, and trading model.